In this episode of the Torfaen Talks podcast series, we take you on a journey through local voices, stories, and updates from across Torfaen.

🌿 Join Tom Maloney for a reflective walk through the beautiful Lasgarn Woods.

📰 Hear more from Ben Black of Cwmbran Life as he shares community stories that matter - and more about our new Life Library podcast series.

🧠 As part of World Alzheimer’s Month, we speak with the Dementia Friendly team from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board about their work and the importance of raising awareness.

📢 Plus, stay up to date with all the latest news and updates from Torfaen Talks CIC.

Bringing together local voices, community spirit, and conversations that matter — this is Torfaen Talks.

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447516 016345.

For more information about us, head to ⁠⁠⁠www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk ⁠⁠⁠

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In this special episode of the Torfaen Talks CIC podcast, we mark Grief Awareness Day on August 30th by shining a light on the incredible local groups providing support with grief and bereavement.

We hear from five different organizations that are creating safe spaces for people to share their experiences and find comfort in community.

Join us as we learn about the compassionate work being done by:

Aneurin Bevan's Baby Loss Group: Offering vital support for parents who have experienced the profound loss of a baby.

TLC Wellbeing Church in Cwmbran: Providing a holistic and faith-based approach to healing.

Bethlehem Chapel in Blaenavon: Creating a space for quiet reflection and shared conversation.

Richmond Road Baptist Church in Cwmbran: Focused on building a supportive network where people can talk openly and feel heard.

Merchant Hill Baptist Church in Pontypool: Helping people feel less alone by connecting them with others who understand.

To learn more about the support available from each of these groups, please visit the links below.

Aneurin Bevan's Baby Loss Group: https://www.abbhealthiertogether.cymru.nhs.uk/pregnant-women/coping-loss

TLC Wellbeing Church: https://www.facebook.com/TLCcommunitychurch/

Bethlehem Chapel: https://www.facebook.com/Bethlehem.Blaenavon

Richmond Road Baptist Church: https://www.facebook.com/RichmondRoadBaptistChurch

Merchant Hill Baptist Church: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553919673951

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447516 016345.

For more information about us, head to ⁠⁠www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk ⁠⁠

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Join Patrick as he visits the powerful "But You Don't Look Autistic" exhibition at Cardiff Central Library. This captivating photography exhibition, on display until the end of August, challenges common stereotypes and sheds light on the often-misunderstood realities of living with autism.

In this special episode, Patrick speaks with Jade from Rewild Play, a charity dedicated to inclusive and nature-based learning, and Rosie, one of the models featured in the exhibition. They discuss their personal experiences and the profound impact this event has on promoting autism awareness and fostering a more inclusive society.

Discover how this exhibition is not just a collection of photographs but a vital platform driving home the message that autism presents in many forms and doesn't have a single "look." Learn about the importance of initiatives like this and how they contribute to Cardiff Council's commitment to being a neurodiversity-friendly city. Tune in to hear the inspiring stories and powerful insights from those at the heart of this important conversation

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447516 016345.

For more information about us, head to ⁠⁠www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk ⁠⁠

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We’re joined by Liz from Mindfulness Wales to explore how mindfulness is helping people across Torfaen and beyond find calm, build resilience, and support their mental well-being. Liz shares the story behind the organization, the work they’re doing in schools, communities, and with frontline workers, and the science that underpins their approach.

Whether you’re completely new to mindfulness or just looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation offers real-life stories, practical tips, and a moment to pause and reflect.

🧘‍♀️ Learn more about their work at mindfulness-wales.org

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact usvia WhatsApp on +447851138610.

For more information about us, head towww.torfaentalkscic.org.uk #Community #Torfaen #TorfaenTalksCIC

It’s our birthday! 🥳

In this special anniversary episode, we’re celebrating one incredible year of Torfaen Talks CIC — a year of sharing real stories, and championing the amazing work happening across Torfaen.

Marking this occasion we talk with Reach, Incremental Health, The Canddo Project and Sport in Mind.

Join us as we reflect on the past 12 months, have some karaoke, and look ahead to what’s next for Torfaen Talks CIC.

🎧 Whether you’ve been with us since day one or just discovered us — this one’s for you. Thank you for being part of the journey.

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447851138610.

For more information about us, head to www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk

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We shine a light on some of the inspiring people and projects making a difference in Torfaen.

We speak with Friends of the Green about their mission to bring communities together through green spaces.

From there, we visit Victory Church Blaenavon to hear how they’re supporting local families with compassion and care.

We also explore the powerful "But You Don’t Look Autistic" photo exhibition, which challenges stereotypes and amplifies autistic voices through striking visual storytelling.

And finally, we take you to the Big Pit Wellbeing Event back in January – a fantastic day of connection, support, and local wellbeing services, all set against the historic backdrop of Big Pit.

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447851138610.

For more information about us, head to www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk

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In this episode, we’re diving into important conversations with incredible community changemakers.

We speak with Bryn from The Jacob Abraham Foundation about their vital work in suicide prevention, chat with Megan from IfYouGoIGo about peer support and how the programme has changed women's lives, and visit the Knit and Natter group in Blaenavon to hear how crafting brings people together.If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447851138610.

For more information about us, head to www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk

#Community #Torfaen #TorfaenTalksCIC

Learn and listen about what Torfaen Talks CIC is about.

We are a Community Interest Company (Non-profit) based in Torfaen, South Wales, offering low cost and accessible mental health and wellbeing services, activities and events across Torfaen. Our aim is to be inclusive for all the community, with the intention to combat loneliness, increase mental health resilience and build community spirit.

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447851138610.

For more information about us, head to www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk

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In this episode we cover all things mens health with a Movember special.

Starting with the voices of Pontnewydd Male Choir, followed by an important chat with Dai from Prostate Cymru and then an eye opening discussion with Jody from Jonathan’s House about male domestic abuse.

We talk about the start of our up coming Men’s group, Menspace. Everyone is welcome to the launch on 2nd December between 2:30pm - 7pm. For the first hour and a half we’ll be offering free beard trims, courtesy of G&G barbers.

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447851138610.

For more information about us, head to www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk

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On this special Time to Talk Day episode, we’re joined by Chris, an entrepreneur with a powerful story of resilience. At just 23, he faced redundancy, which led to a period of homelessness, struggles with mental health, and a battle with self-doubt. Through perseverance, support, and thecourage to seek help, Chris rebuilt his life—ultimately creating a self-sustaining future and founding a CIC to support creatives and artists.

In this deeply honest conversation, we discuss the emotionaltoll of redundancy, the stigma of homelessness, the importance of asking for help, and the life-changing impact of counselling. Chris also shares his journey into self-employment and how he’s using his experiences to support others.

This episode is a reminder that speaking up about our struggles can change lives. If you or someone you know is facing challenges, know that you’re not alone.

🔊 Tune in now for an inspiring and open conversation.

If you’d like to be part of this podcast, you can contact us via WhatsApp on +447851138610.

For more information about us, head to www.torfaentalkscic.org.uk

#Community #Torfaen #TorfaenTalksCIC #TimeToTalkDay#MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #HomelessnessAwareness #Entrepreneurship